Guyana-born cricketer Samlall Singh dies on field in Toronto

From Ravendra Madholall in Toronto

“He was considered a great gentleman and his profound passion for cricket will always be remembered.”

These were some of the words expressed by a representative of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket League following the sudden death of over-40 player Samlall Singh.

On Sunday many of his colleagues were shocked to hear of his demise when he collapsed on the field when his team Miracle Cricket Club was opposing Pegasus Cricket Club in the continuation of the major league over-40 25-over round robin tournament in Toronto. He was 54.

Singh, a right-handed batsman scored an aggressive half-century before he died and his teammates stated it was a sad and unforgettable day for them.

Born on the East Coast of Demerara in Guyana, Singh came to Canada over two decades ago and immediately took up the sport, representing Miracle Cricket Club over the years and his performances were also impressive.

“He will definitely be missed for his wonderful personality and friendliness; I know he was a great ‘lover’ of the game but seeing him died on a cricket field certainly [is] devastating,” Krisho Singh Ramnarayan told this publication via telephone on Sunday afternoon after his team won by 22 runs.

President of the Ontario Masters League, Azeem Khan, was also saddened by the player’s passing and expressed sincere condolences to his relatives and friends and revealed that the league has lost a true player.

“Over the years we have played against Singh, and always enjoyed the friendly competition he offered; indeed without his effort – he top scored with 52 Miracles would probably not have won the game yesterday (Sunday),” he expressed.

He continued, “The League’s most enthusiastic cricketer, Samlall, brother of Henry and Ron Singh, has gone to a more peaceful, restful world and on behalf of the Masters League, we offer our sincere sympathies and condolences to his family and friends; words alone cannot express the hurt and shock being experienced by his fellow cricketers, family and friends.”

Singh worked for parking arrangements with the Enforcement Officers where he lived while he coordinated placement of tents for Paul Party Rentals at his backyard in Scarborough.

His wife Indira Singh was saddened by the news while their three daughters Ashley, Brittany and Chattel were in a state of shock following his death. They declared he was a great father and always supported cricket since their migration to Canada in 1983.

“He was always willing to participate in any cricketing activity; he was a dedicated cricketer in the softball fraternity and learning of his death on Sunday was very painful but I know he will rest in peace; his daughters were shock and felt their father died too quickly, but we have to move on,” Indira related.

The funeral is set to be held on Friday in Scarborough while the viewing will be done at Ogden Funeral Home on Thursday, also in Scarborough from 17:00h to 21:00h.